I’m a purist. A margarita is supposed to be tequila, lime, and a balancing liqueur over ice. Blending is bad in my book, but this refreshing, sweet treat at Agave in Summerlin is the only occasion for rule-breaking. Fresh lime juice is squeezed into this mixture of ripe red raspberries, Patron Citronge and Casa Noble Crystal, a silvery-smooth blanco. ($11.95, $48/pitcher, 10820 W. Charleston Blvd., 214-3500). —Brock Radke, web & food editor.

The Original Margarita at Hussong's.

Original Margarita at Hussong’s

They say you can’t beat the original. According to legend, the original Hussong’s in Mexico was the birthplace of the margarita. The Hussong’s outpost in the Shoppes at Mandalay Place stays true to the tradition and serves up its Original Margarita featuring Azul Reposado Tequila, Triple Sec, agave nectar and lots of freshly squeezed lime juice. The tangy lime instead of pre-prepared sour mix really sets this one apart from the rest of the pack. ($12-$18, Mandalay Place, 632-6450). —Allison Duck, web calendar editor.

I’m not a big fan of tequila, so I tend to stay away from margaritas. I really like beer, though, and on a recent trip to Lindo Michoacan I decided to try a fusion of the two. Those seeking to sip on a mixology masterpiece can look elsewhere, as a bottle of Corona Light is held upside down into a glass full of your run-of-the-mill frozen lime margarita. The result is a twisted variation on the classic shandy (a beer-lemonade combination), as the tequila adds a nice kick to the slushy beer goodness. Simple and summery, this is a welcome treat in the 90-degree heat. ($12.99, multiple locations, 837-6828). —Mark Adams, associate web editor.